The LAVA Holiday Wish List: Apparel

Chances are the triathlete in your life has everything they need—especially if they’re the type who reads a magazine and website devoted to “serious triathlon.” Still, just because they own a bike that cost more than your kid’s first car and enough race t-shirts to clothe a small African tribe doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want to stuff their stockings with stuff they’ll love.

So if you’re strapped for ideas, just hang out with us for the next few weeks. From our office to your home, we’ll be sharing the books, gadgets, and other great products we’d like to see coming our way this holiday season. Likely, it’s what the slightly obsessed triathlete in your life might want, too.

For the Cold Blooded

Your much-loved multisport enthusiast probably owns a pair of short-fingered gloves for warm weather riding, but they’re going to need something a little more functional when the temperatures drop. These babies are warm enough for those 50-degree F mornings, and Specialized’s awesome BG Gel technology reduces hand numbness by relieving pressure on the sensitive ulnar nerve (try saying that after a few glasses of mulled wine). There’s a soft Microwipe™ thumb for wiping away sweat, too. Available in men’s and women’s (pictured).

Now that you’ve taken care of their fingers, why not let their toes join the party? Road cycling shoes are usually so well vented that come the cooler months, cyclists can just about lose their toes on a morning ride. Made of neoprene on top and durable synthetic leather underneat, these are like little mittens for the feet. They slip right over the shoe and accomodate most cleats without cutting.

For the Dry Guy

Our senior gear editor is a big proponent of the sleeveless baselayer for winter. He knows we all get the concept of layering to stay warm, but making that last layer next to the skin a breathable one to keep the sweat off the skin is what will keep you from getting a chill. He’s been using this moisture transfer baselayer all year (and certainly this winter), and considers the first barrier the most important—even more than a windblock shell. Call it cheap insurance against that inner shiver.

For the Fleet of Foot

Available in the color shown below or in a more “out there” yellow and black color scheme, these ultra light training shoes can easily do double-duty as racers. Though K-Swiss calls them”super-cushioned,” I found them to be fairly low-profile. I could definitely feel the cushioning (I believe I remarked during my first run in them that I felt like I was running on pillows), but the motion of my foot felt natural and not overly padded. The genius “sockliner” makes these perfect for those sockless sprint races, and a micro layer of Superfoam sits underneath it to provide a soft and resilient feel under the foot. They proved true-to-size, so why not treat the triathlete in your life to a brand the Kona pros know can deliver.

For the LAVA-Lover

Show your love for the best triathlon mag around by sporting one of our soft T’s from American Apparel. They fit true to size, and are made of soft cotton. Our favorite of the women’s styles is pictured.